Closing out January

Superintendent Search Process - Discussion and Contract Approval

At the last board meeting, we interviewed the three superintendent search firms: McPherson & Jacobson, LLC, Education Leadership Services, and Leadership Associates. After listening to their presentations and their answers to our questions, we reviewed the individual reference checks that Trustees performed. Finally, we selected Leadership Associates as our preferred firm.

In this week’s meeting, the Board will discuss our preferences for how we want to conduct the superintendent search. The following topics will be covered:

After the discussion, we will also review the contract with Leadership Associates for their services.

Out of Town Travel and Conference/Workshop Policy

At their most recent meeting, the Budget Advisory Committee reviewed staff’s proposed policy for travel and expense reimbursement and made the recommendation of the draft that the Board will be reviewing. In preparation, they reviewed travel needs and historical context, made comments and suggestions for the working draft, and then aligned on the current draft.

They based their recommendation due to their assessment of its alignment with district goals, transparency and accountability, and cost efficiency. In those areas, and in the details of the policy, the committee recommends its approval. Now, it comes to the Board for review, deliberation, and action.

Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) One-Time Payment

This is proposed in appreciation of our staff members and in recognition of how retirement benefits have been reduced over time. The MOU would encourage staff members to use this money to plan for their retirement, with suggestions of adding to their 403(b) plan or paying down student loans, among others.

Board Policy Review Committee

As I’ve noted before, setting policy for the district is one of the main responsibilities of the board. We recently approved updates to some of our board policies, and in this meeting we have the remaining three policies from that batch as part of the consent calendar.

During the previous discussion, the Board requested that staff bring back an item about the formation of a policy committee. Policy committees are used in other districts to work with staff and stakeholders in crafting and updating board policies. There are different ways to constitute and structure the committee, which is what we will be discussing during this item.